‘A good destination spot’
Bethel Library’s upgraded Project Lab, Teenspace has 3D printing, laser engraving and more
BETHEL — The staff at the Bethel Public Library pride themselves on their “small” library being a destination spot in town.
The library took steps to enhance that designation when it opened its renovated Teenspace room and expanded Project Lab area to the community.
The goal was to create a safe space for teens to engage and learn through programming and library support services, using technological tools like 3D printing, laser engraving, video and animation equipment.
“What we did is took the existing space for teens and revamped it to make it more enticing to teens,” said Ellen Janpol, the Bethel Library director of programming and outreach. “We enlarged the area. We replaced the furniture, redesigned bookshelves and made it a more open environment, something bigger and better for teens.”
Both spaces are on the first floor but in different areas.
“The Project Lab has also been enlarged and expanded,” she said. “It’s where we hold technology classes geared toward teens where they can learn and use the technological tools, including some you don’t find in schools.”
Janpol said new programs specifically for teens in the Project Lab are in the development stage. Bailey Gartman, in charge of youth services programming, and Tom Borysiewicz, in charge of adult services and technology, oversee Teenspace, the Project Lab and its programs.
The renovation project was done through the help of state Rep. Raghib AllieBrennan, D-Bethel, who secured a $150,000 grant for nonprofits for the project.
“Rep. Allie-Brennan worked his magic in Hartford to get the funding for this,” Janpol said.
He also worked with AT&T to secure an additional $10,000 grant.
“The technological tools teens will use at the library, these are the technologies that some will be utilizing in their careers,” AllieBrennan said in a statement. “They can learn about them at the library in a stress free and grade free environment. A space where teens will actually want to spend their time.”
Janpol said nearly 100 people showed up on Oct. 23 when the library held an open house for the public to showcase its upgrades.
“It’s important for us at the library to create space and programs to help teens use these tools in a nonthreatening environment,” Janpol said. “This is all part of our library being a good destination spot in town. There are so many good resources here in our small library.”